Ever wondered how a kid from Atlanta’s East Point neighborhood became one of hip-hop’s wealthiest icons? André 3000, the enigmatic half of legendary duo OutKast, Andre 3000 net worth $35 million while staying true to his artistic vision. But here’s the twist he achieved this without chasing trends or flooding the market with content. Instead, he dropped era-defining hits like “Hey Ya!” and “Ms. Jackson”, then disappeared for years to play the flute.
This isn’t your typical rags-to-riches story. André Lauren Benjamin revolutionized Southern rap alongside Big Boi, won Grammy Awards, launched the Benjamin Bixby fashion line, and portrayed Jimi Hendrix on screen. From Speakerboxxx/The Love Below to his surprising instrumental album New Blue Sun, he’s consistently defied expectations.
Ready to discover how this multi-instrumentalist built an empire on authenticity? Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of hip-hop’s most unpredictable genius.
Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | André Lauren Benjamin |
| Stage Names | André 3000, 3 Stacks, Dré |
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1975 |
| Age | 49 years old (as of 2024) |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor, Multi-instrumentalist, Entrepreneur |
| Famous For | Member of OutKast, “Hey Ya!”, “Ms. Jackson” |
| Musical Group | OutKast (with Big Boi) |
| Genres | Hip-hop, Funk, Jazz, Southern Rap, Alternative |
| Record Label | LaFace Records |
| Net Worth (2024) | $35 million (per Celebrity Net Worth) |
| Notable Albums | Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, ATLiens, Aquemini, Stankonia, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, New Blue Sun |
| Awards | Grammy Award for Album of the Year, Multiple Grammy wins |
| Children | Seven Sirius Benjamin (with Erykah Badu) |
| Business Ventures | Benjamin Bixby (fashion line), Tretorn collaboration |
| Instruments | Flute, Piano, vocals |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Education | Tri-Cities High School |
Who Is Andre 3000?
André 3000 is the creative force who helped put Atlanta on the hip-hop map. As one-half of OutKast alongside Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, he revolutionized Southern rap when most eyes focused on the coasts.
His unique style part lyricist, part philosopher, part fashion maven set him apart from day one. Critics and fans alike consider him among the greatest lyricists to ever touch a microphone.
Beyond music, André 3000 has cultivated a reputation as an enigmatic personality. He doesn’t chase trends or force content. Instead, he creates when inspiration strikes, which explains his 17-year hiatus between major projects.
This approach frustrates some fans but earns respect from true artistry lovers. His influence stretches across generations, inspiring everyone from Drake to Anderson .Paak. When André 3000 speaks or raps the culture listens.
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Early Life
André Lauren Benjamin entered the world on May 27, 1975, in Atlanta, Georgia. His single mother raised him while working in real estate, moving through various neighborhoods like East Point and Bankhead.
Money stayed tight, but his mom’s hustle showed him the value of determination. These early struggles shaped the thoughtful, introspective artist he’d become.
School became the launching pad for his destiny. At Tri-Cities High School, André met Antwan Patton Big Boi and their chemistry was instant. While other kids worried about homework, these two plotted their takeover of the rap game.
They attended Sarah Smith Elementary School and Sutton Middle School before landing at Northside High School and eventually Tri-Cities. That fateful high school connection birthed OutKast, forever changing hip-hop history.
Career
OutKast exploded onto the scene after Benjamin and Patton signed with LaFace Records straight out of high school. Their 1994 debut Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik achieved platinum status, driven by the infectious single “Player’s Ball”.
The South finally had champions in the hip-hop arena. By 1995, they’d snagged Best New Rap Group of the Year at the 1995 Source Awards, though the West Coast-East Coast hip-hop feud overshadowed their moment.
ATLiens dropped in 1996, showcasing their willingness to experiment with trip-hop and funk influences. Commercial success followed, but they weren’t satisfied.
The 1998 masterpiece Aquemini pushed boundaries even further, cementing their status as innovators. Around this time, André ditched his “Dré” moniker for “André 3000” to distinguish himself from Dr. Dre. Smart move, considering what came next.
Stankonia arrived in 2000 like a sonic bomb. The chart-topping “Ms. Jackson” became their biggest hit yet, earning Grammy recognition and massive radio play.
That song inspired by his split from Erykah Badu resonated with anyone who’d experienced heartbreak. The duo followed up with a greatest hits collection in 2002 before their most ambitious project yet.
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below changed everything in 2003. This double album let each artist showcase their individual vision. Big Boi delivered straight Southern rap heat while André 3000 ventured into funk, jazz, and pop territories.
His tracks “Hey Ya!” and “Roses” dominated the Billboard Hot 100, with accompanying music videos that flooded rotation. The project won Album of the Year at the Grammys a monumental achievement for hip-hop.
The musical film Idlewild consumed their attention in 2006, set in the 1930s with a matching soundtrack. After its release, OutKast hit pause on recording. But André 3000 couldn’t stay quiet long.
He popped up on tracks by Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Drake (“The Real Her”), Ciara (“Ride”), and Frank Ocean (“Solo (Reprise)”). Each verse reminded everyone why he’s considered a wordsmith and GOAT.
In 2018, André dropped “Me&My (To Bury Your Parents)” on SoundCloud, followed by a 16-minute instrumental. Then came the surprise flute album New Blue Sun in 2023, earning Grammy nominations for Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Instrumental Composition.
He collaborated with Big Boi occasionally on tracks like “Lookin’ 4 Ya”. The duo reunited for their 20th anniversary tour in 2014, hitting Coachella, Lollapalooza, and over 40 festivals worldwide.
Film and Television
André 3000’s acting career mirrors his musical eclecticism. He’s appeared in “Four Brothers”, “Be Cool”, “Revolver”, and “Semi-Pro”, showing range across genres. The OutKast-created film Idlewild gave him a starring role where music and cinema merged beautifully.
His performance proved he wasn’t just dabbling he was serious about the craft.
Television welcomed him too, with memorable turns in “The Shield” and “Families”. As a voice actor, he brought Sunny Bridges to life in the animated series “Class of 3000”, which he also produced. The political thriller “Battle in Seattle” showcased his dramatic chops.
His portrayal of Jimi Hendrix in “All Is By My Side” earned critical praise for capturing the legend’s essence. He followed that with a recurring role as Michael LaCroix in “American Crime”, proving his television staying power.
Fashion Line
In 2008, André 3000 launched Benjamin Bixby, a clothing line reflecting his distinctive style. The brand drew inspiration from 1930s aesthetics mixed with varsity influences think preppy meets vintage cool.
His keen fashion sense translated into designs that captured his artistic vision. The line showcased his business acumen beyond entertainment.
Though Benjamin Bixby eventually closed, André’s fashion influence never waned. He later collaborated with Tretorn on footwear and helped create From Now On They Will Have No Choice But to Call Us The Ants, a workwear brand.
His red carpet appearances consistently turn heads, with GQ regularly featuring his bold choices. Fashion remains another canvas for his creative expression.
Relationships
André 3000 sparked a high-profile romance with singer-songwriter Erykah Badu after OutKast’s early success. Their relationship captivated the hip-hop and neo-soul communities two creative powerhouses together.
They welcomed a son, Seven Sirius Benjamin, who became André’s greatest joy. Fatherhood transformed him, adding depth to his already introspective nature.
The couple split by 2000, and that emotional upheaval inspired some of André’s most powerful work. “Ms. Jackson” addressed to Erykah’s mother became an apology and explanation wrapped in an unforgettable hook.
The breakup also prompted his full adoption of the André 3000 stage name, marking a personal reinvention. He’s remained relatively private about subsequent relationships, preferring to let his art speak. His role as a doting father to Seven Sirius remains central to his identity.
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What Is André 3000’s Net Worth?
André 3000 has accumulated a net worth of $35 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. That figure reflects decades of album sales, royalties, touring revenue, and various business ventures.
As half of OutKast, he’s sold millions of records worldwide Speakerboxxx/The Love Below alone went diamond. Those platinum certifications translate to substantial ongoing income.
His net worth also benefits from endorsement deals, acting paychecks, and production credits. Guest verses on tracks by superstars like Beyoncé, Kanye West, and John Legend command premium rates. Streaming revenue from OutKast’s catalog continues generating passive income.
The New Blue Sun instrumental album opened new revenue streams in jazz circles. While some peers chase flashier lifestyles, André 3000 built lasting wealth through smart choices and timeless music.
Musical Mastery: Career Highlights & Accolades
André 3000 stands as a symphony of talent in hip-hop, consistently pushing the genre’s boundaries. Teaming with Big Boi at Tri-Cities High School created OutKast in 1992 a musical duo destined for greatness.
Their debut Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik dropped in 1994 to critical acclaim, establishing them as the South’s answer to coastal dominance. But that was merely the appetizer.
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below represents their crowning achievement. The 2003 double album snagged the coveted Grammy Award for Album of the Year rare air for rap artists. André’s side featured minimal rapping, instead showcasing his versatility as a singer and composer.
Tracks like “Hey Ya!” transcended hip-hop, becoming cultural phenomena. The project proved OutKast belonged among music’s elite, not just rap’s upper echelon. Their influence on artists like Migos, Gucci Mane, and GloRilla demonstrates their lasting impact on Atlanta’s music scene.
Behind The Curtain: Personal Life & Highlights
Beyond the smooth rhymes and infectious melodies lives a man of substance. André 3000’s personal life reads as eclectic as his discography.
His long relationship with Erykah Badu produced their son Seven Sirius Benjamin, adding fatherhood to his identity. That experience softened his edges while deepening his perspective. You hear it in his later work more contemplation, less bravado.
André’s charismatic presence masks a thoughtful introvert. He’s spoken candidly about anxiety and the pressure of expectations. His 17-year hiatus from solo albums wasn’t laziness it was self-preservation. He creates on his terms when inspiration strikes authentically.
His flute playing emerged from a genuine desire to explore new sounds, not commercial calculation. Friends describe him as intensely curious, constantly reading and questioning. That intellectual hunger separates mere rappers from true artists. His candid reflections on fame and fatherhood reveal the human behind the legend.
Transcending Verses: Business Ventures & Philanthropy
André 3000’s life echoes a harmonious blend of melody and compassion. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through ventures like Benjamin Bixby, the fashion line he co-founded in 2008. The brand reflected his unique aesthetic 1930s nostalgia meets modern edge.
Though it eventually closed, the venture proved his business acumen extended beyond recording studios. His Tretorn collaboration and involvement with From Now On They Will Have No Choice But to Call Us The Ants keep his fashion footprint alive.
But André’s success story transcends wealth accumulation and accolades. He’s a philanthropist at heart, contributing to society meaningfully. His advocacy for various social causes, including the Black Lives Matter movement, showcases his compassionate side.
He’s supported education initiatives in Atlanta and participated in the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Awards, mentoring young artists. His charitable work stays largely under the radar—he prefers action over publicity. That approach perfectly complements his artistic persona, proving his worth extends far beyond dollar signs.
Andre 3000 Net Worth: A Respected Journey
André 3000’s life composes an intriguing symphony balancing personal and professional triumphs. It encapsulates a man whose rhythm transcends music, influencing fashion, business, and philanthropy equally.
His story reads as a captivating composition exemplifying the art of turning adversity into triumph. Growing up with a single mother in Atlanta’s tougher neighborhoods could’ve derailed him. Instead, those struggles fueled his creative fire.
His $35 million net worth tells only part of the story. Sure, the money validates his commercial success but his cultural impact matters more. He helped legitimize Southern rap when doubters dismissed it. He proved rappers could experiment with jazz, funk, and alternative sounds without losing credibility.
André showed vulnerability through tracks like “Prototype” and “Ms. Jackson”, making it okay for hip-hop to explore emotions beyond bravado. His New Blue Sun flute album challenged expectations at age 48, proving creativity has no expiration date.
André 3000 remains a pioneer whose influence ripples through generations. Young artists study his wordsmith techniques and fearless experimentation. His collaboration with Big Boi as OutKast created a blueprint for duos balancing individual artistry with collective vision. Whether he’s voicing characters in “Class of 3000”, portraying Jimi Hendrix on screen, or dropping surprise tracks on SoundCloud, he operates authentically.
That integrity combined with undeniable talent cements his status as a true ATL legend and hip-hop icon. His journey proves that staying true to yourself pays dividends money can’t measure.
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Conclusion
André 3000’s journey from Atlanta’s streets to hip-hop royalty proves authenticity wins every time. His $35 million net worth isn’t just about money it’s about revolutionizing Southern rap, creating timeless hits like “Hey Ya!”, and inspiring generations. Whether he’s rocking stages with OutKast or exploring jazz through his flute, André stays true to himself.
This multi-instrumentalist and entrepreneur built an empire without compromising his vision. From Grammy Awards to Benjamin Bixby, he’s shown that real artistry transcends trends. André 3000 isn’t just a rapper he’s a cultural icon whose influence will echo for decades. That’s the power of staying authentically you.
FAQs
What is André 3000’s net worth in 2024?
André 3000’s net worth is $35 million as of 2024, according to Celebrity Net Worth, earned through OutKast’s massive success, album sales, acting roles, and business ventures like Benjamin Bixby.
Is André 3000 still making music?
Yes, André 3000 released his instrumental album New Blue Sun in 2023, featuring flute compositions that earned Grammy nominations for Best Alternative Jazz Album and Best Instrumental Composition.
Who is André 3000’s son?
André 3000’s son is Seven Sirius Benjamin, born from his relationship with singer-songwriter Erykah Badu. He’s remained a doting father and keeps his son’s life private.
What are André 3000’s biggest hits?
André 3000’s biggest hits include “Hey Ya!”, “Ms. Jackson”, “Roses”, “So Fresh, So Clean”, and “The Whole World” from OutKast, plus collaborations like “International Players Anthem”.
Why did OutKast break up?
OutKast never officially broke up. André 3000 and Big Boi took a hiatus after Idlewild (2006) to pursue solo projects, reunited for their 20th anniversary tour in 2014, and occasionally collaborate.
